Ceramic disc taps / spindles for leaky faucet?

I have a three-handle shower/tub faucet set, Gerber brand. The hot water handle and the diverter were leaking badly. A plumber replaced all three spindles with Gerber-brand spindles. The problem is they still have a very very slight leak from the moment of installation (but which I imagine would only get worse over time). The plumber said be made the packing nut as tight as it can be. He said the only way to not have a leak is to change the spindles to the type that has ceramic disc cartridge inside (rather than a valve). I’ve never heard of this type and when I google it, it seems to have some adoption in UK and Australia but I don’t see any of the many US DIY/plumbing/home repair websites ever mention them. It doesn’t seem like I should have to change to a different type of spindle to not have a leak from day one. The original valve-type spindles didn’t leak. Pls let me know if you have any experience with the ceramic disc spindles. Thanks in advance.

renoishard2

in Roofers 11 years and 2 months ago

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Townie | 11 years and 2 months ago

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You mean it drips from the spout? If the brass seats are bad, having small chips missing, the rubber washers will not sit properly and you will get a drip. If the drip goes away if you crank down on the handle, compression, the leak will go away, temporarily. Ceramic disk faucets are common…. Not sure if you can interchange retrofit old Gerber faucets………

eman134 | 11 years and 2 months ago

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he should have replaced the seats as well..the guy is an idiot http://www.fdsupply.com/item/bxk4503/